The Currency of Power

Money moves the world.

It dictates priorities, policies, and power structures. 

What happens when people decide to redirect their financial influence? 

What happens when economic pressure becomes the weapon of choice? 

That is the question at the heart of the upcoming coordinated economic boycotts.

From February to April, a series of financial disruptions aim to challenge corporate structures, hold institutions accountable, and remind the world that consumer spending is not a passive act — it is an instrument of influence. 

The upcoming Economic Blackouts and corporate boycotts are strategic refusals to engage in systems that profit off injustice.

Let’s dissect this movement, its significance, and why participation matters.

February 28th: The First Economic Blackout

What It Means:

A full-day refusal to participate in the economy. 

No shopping, banking transactions, financial engagements — complete economic silence.

Why It Matters:

Economic Blackouts are powerful because they demonstrate the scale of financial dependence corporations and industries have on the public. 

One day may seem small, but the ripple effect forces institutions to pay attention. 

Historically, economic disruptions have been critical to civil rights movements, labor protests, and social change initiatives.

Historical Precedents:

• Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956): A 381-day boycott that crippled the bus system and led to desegregation in public transit.
• The South African Apartheid Boycotts: Economic pressure from international sanctions played a significant role in dismantling apartheid.
• The BLM Economic Boycotts (2020): Calls to withhold spending from specific corporations in response to racial injustice.

Action Steps:

• Withdraw cash in advance.
• Avoid any financial transactions for the entire day.
• Encourage local businesses and small vendors to join the movement.

March 7–14: Amazon Boycott

Why Amazon?

Amazon is one of the most influential corporations on the planet, controlling vast portions of retail, cloud computing, and logistics. 

However, it has repeatedly been criticized for labor exploitation, union busting, monopolistic practices, and its environmental impact.

Core Issues:

• Alleged mistreatment of warehouse workers.
• Anti-union efforts suppressing workers’ rights.
• The decimation of small businesses due to aggressive pricing models.

Impact of a Boycott: A week-long boycott of Amazon, including its subsidiaries (Whole Foods, Audible, Twitch, etc.), can make a financial dent and highlight the power consumers have in holding corporations accountable.

Alternative Actions:

• Shop local and support independent retailers.
• Use alternative e-commerce platforms such as Bookshop for books or smaller retailers for goods.
• Raise awareness about Amazon’s business practices and encourage ethical labor policies.

March 21–28: Nestlé Boycott

Why Nestlé?

Nestlé, a global food and beverage conglomerate, has long been embroiled in ethical controversies, from child labor allegations to environmental degradation.

Key Concerns:

• Accusations of exploiting child labor in cocoa production.
• Water privatization and aggressive extraction of natural resources.
• Unethical marketing of baby formula in developing nations.

Boycotting Nestlé Means:

• Avoiding Nestlé-owned brands such as Nescafé, Pure Life, KitKat, Perrier, and many more.
• Choosing ethical brands that prioritize fair trade and sustainability.
• Sharing information about Nestlé’s practices to promote widespread participation.

April 7–14: Walmart Boycott

Why Walmart?

Walmart is a retail behemoth, but its dominance has come at a price. Reports of worker exploitation, anti-union activities, and unfair supplier practices have persisted for years.

Reasons for Boycott:

• Low wages and exploitative labor conditions for employees.
• Displacement of small businesses due to aggressive expansion.
• Poor environmental and sustainability practices.

How to Counteract:

• Support local businesses and smaller grocery chains.
• Advocate for worker rights and unionization.
• Use online platforms to educate people on Walmart’s impact on communities.

April 18: Economic Blackout #2

A second, larger-scale Economic Blackout builds upon the momentum of prior actions. 

This time, the goal is to increase participation and extend the financial freeze beyond the individual to businesses and organizations willing to make a statement.

Expansion Strategies:

• Encourage Black-owned, minority-owned, and ethical businesses to close shop in solidarity.
• Leverage social media to drive widespread participation.
• Push for media coverage to ensure public awareness.

April 21–28: General Mills Boycott

Why General Mills?

General Mills, a leading name in packaged food, has faced scrutiny over its supply chain ethics, environmental impact, and involvement in industries linked to deforestation and child labor.

Issues at Hand:

• Questionable agricultural practices linked to deforestation.
• Use of GMOs and controversial ingredients.
• Pricing strategies that impact independent farmers.

Alternatives:

• Supporting organic and ethical brands.
• Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture.
• Encouraging corporate accountability through petitions and advocacy.

The Movement Forward

Boycotts and economic blackouts are declarations of agency. 

They remind corporations and policymakers that economic power lies in the hands of the people.

This movement fosters a collective consciousness around ethical consumption, corporate responsibility, and systemic change.

What You Can Do:

• Share this message with friends and family.
• Commit to participating in at least one of the boycotts.
• Follow up by supporting businesses that align with ethical values.

The power of money is real — but the power of collective action is even greater.

Are you in?